15 MPG combined in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS600 4MATIC Maybach isn’t merely a statistic; it’s a declaration. This is a vehicle where efficiency ranks far down the priority list, comfortably nestled behind absolute luxury, unrivaled comfort, and effortless power. The Maybach GLS600 exists to coddle its occupants, projecting an aura of unflappable quiet regardless of the external chaos. Its owners are typically individuals for whom the incremental cost of fuel is an abstract concept, utterly overshadowed by the vehicle’s six-figure price tag and the unparalleled experience it offers. They aren’t just buying transportation; they are investing in a mobile sanctuary, a statement of status that transcends mere practicality. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8, despite its displacement and output, is merely a means to an end: providing smooth, imperious propulsion without ever disturbing the cabin’s hushed atmosphere. To dwell excessively on the GLS600 Maybach’s fuel economy figures is to fundamentally misunderstand its raison d’être. Instead, these numbers serve as a reminder that even the most meticulously engineered luxury components carry a certain inherent thermodynamic cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS600 4MATIC Maybach at 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. This disparity largely reflects the driving conditions this vehicle encounters, and how its powertrain responds to them. City driving, characterized by frequent stops, starts, and lower average speeds, forces the 4.0L bi-turbo V8 to operate outside its most efficient range. The sheer mass of the GLS600, over 6,000 pounds when loaded, requires significant energy to accelerate from a standstill. The 9-speed automatic transmission, while excellent at managing power delivery for smoothness, still works against constant momentum changes. Conversely, on the open highway, the Maybach GLS600 settles into a tranquil rhythm. The large V8 can then loaf along at lower RPMs, the transmission efficiently cruising in its higher gears. The aerodynamic profile, though substantial, becomes less of a factor at consistent speeds, and the engine’s inherent design for smooth, sustained power delivery comes to the fore. For owners, the 13 MPG in city driving is an acceptable byproduct of navigating urban landscapes in supreme comfort, while the 18 MPG highway figure reassures them that long-distance journeys will be dispatched with minimal fuss, even if more frequently punctuated by fuel stops than a smaller vehicle.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS600 4MATIC Maybach at $3,850. This figure is calculated based on an average driving distance of 15,000 miles per year, split between city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices, which for premium unleaded are considerably higher than regular grade. For the buyer of a Maybach GLS600, this cost is a negligible consideration within the broader context of their automotive expenditure. This vehicle isn’t acquired based on its operational overhead; it’s a statement of ultimate luxury and exclusivity. The $3,850 represents an incidental expense, far outweighed by the investment in the vehicle itself, its significant depreciation, maintenance, and insurance. Owners are not tracking fuel receipts to optimize their budget; they are simply fueling their vehicle when necessary, prioritizing convenience and the continuation of their exceptional ownership experience above all else. Understanding this context is crucial to interpreting the importance, or lack thereof, of the annual fuel cost for this specific owner demographic.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, owners of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS600 4MATIC Maybach typically observe figures that hover around, or slightly below, the EPA estimates. The 15 MPG combined is achievable for those who adopt a consistently smooth driving style, using the vehicle’s substantial torque rather than aggressive acceleration. Frequent short trips, heavy urban traffic, or consistent use of the powertrain’s more spirited drive modes will inevitably push consumption closer to the 13 MPG city rating, or even below it. This is a vehicle that rewards a gentle foot. Its air suspension, advanced sound deadening, and opulent interior actively encourage a relaxed pace, almost an antidote to hurried driving. Highway efficiency of 18 MPG is also attainable, provided consistent speeds are maintained and elevations changes are moderate. However, sustained high-speed cruising, especially with the vehicle fully laden or towing (though towing is rarely a Maybach GLS600’s primary role), will see that figure dip. Ultimately, owners expect this level of consumption. The prodigious power, luxurious appointments, and immense size intrinsically link to a specific fuel appetite, and it’s an expectation that is readily met and accepted within the Maybach ownership experience. To gain deeper insight into specific model year performance, one can review GLS600 MPG across all years.

How it compares

When placed alongside its most direct rivals, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS600 4MATIC Maybach’s fuel economy is entirely congruous with its segment. Consider the Bentley Bentayga Speed, with its more potent W12 engine, which achieves a combined 15 MPG (12 City / 18 Highway). The GLS600 Maybach effectively matches it, showcasing the comparative efficiency of Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0L V8 against Bentley’s larger displacement unit, despite similar peak power outputs. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, equipped with its 6.75L twin-turbo V12, delivers an even lower 14 MPG combined (12 City / 18 Highway), making the Maybach look marginally more efficient. Even Porsche’s top-tier Cayenne Turbo GT, a performance SUV with a combined 17 MPG (15 City / 20 Highway) from its own 4.0L twin-turbo V8, doesn’t dramatically outperform the Maybach, especially considering the Cayenne’s significantly lighter curb weight and sportier tuning. These comparisons underscore a critical point: within the ultra-luxury SUV echelon, fuel economy is a secondary concern, and the numbers reflect the fundamental trade-offs inherent in vehicles of this size, power, and opulence. For fuel economy data across the brand, explore all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire pressure is a foundational step in optimizing fuel economy for any vehicle, including the Maybach GLS600. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the powerful 4.0L V8 to work harder, directly impacting consumption. Regularly checking and adjusting tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications ensures the vehicle operates as efficiently as possible, minimizing unnecessary drag and maximizing the contact patch for safety and grip.

Driving with a smooth, anticipatory style significantly benefits the GLS600’s fuel economy. Avoiding aggressive acceleration and abrupt braking allows the potent engine to operate more often in its efficient cruising range and reduces the energy lost through heat during braking. The vehicle’s immense torque means gentle throttle input is often all that’s required for majestic progress, and embracing this smooth approach naturally conserves fuel.

Use the vehicle’s ECO drive mode, especially in urban environments. This mode typically recalibrates throttle response, transmission shift points, and climate control operation to prioritize efficiency over outright performance. While the difference may be subtle to the driver, these automated adjustments accumulate over time to provide a measurable improvement in city and mixed driving conditions.

Minimizing unnecessary cargo and weight also contributes to better fuel economy. While the GLS600 is designed to carry substantial loads, removing items that are not regularly needed from the vehicle’s expansive cargo area reduces the effort required from the engine. Less weight translates directly to less kinetic energy needed to accelerate and maintain speed, offering a small but consistent improvement over time.